“Most of the guys like me are working now, but I also run a
B&B in Lecco, I got my boating license to do boat tours, and I would like
to open a bike rental shop.” Somehow, between side hustles and studies, he
recently completed an Economics degree, Conca kept riding and dreaming.
His performance at the weekend was a masterclass in seizing
an opportunity. While the major teams marked each other and failed to commit
fully, Conca stayed clear. The result stunned not just fans, but the
professional peloton itself.
“Teams have to work for their leaders, there’s nothing wrong
with that,” Conca said. “But when you spend your time fighting fires in a race
and having to fill in the gaps, you risk, being left high and dry.”
The result also left an impression on
Filippo Ganna, Italy’s
biggest name and the favourite going into the race. Ganna, who admitted to
suffering from illness, didn’t hide his disappointment. “It’s a destabilising
result for the Italian professional squads,” he said. “Cycling is going to lose
a lot, because only the winner counts.”